General topics » Observations on my new '23 RS

#1 | Observations on my new '23 RS datum

Thu May 11, 2023 6:27 pm

The planets and stars aligned and I traded my '17 RS for a brand new '23 RS. Almost two weeks and 700 miles later I want to throw some thoughts out there.

The first thing I noticed was that the new bike leans over on the sidestand a lot more than the 1200. Still, most of the time I have a slight panic attack when it doesn't stop leaning when I am used to. I don't think the bike sits any higher, so maybe they fitted a shorter stand? I'll try to get some measurements to compare.

The speedometer is dead accurate according to the GPS. I don't have to constantly subtract 3-4 mph to figure out how fast I am going.

The GSAP seems to work smoother than on my 1200. Has the overall gearing changed? It seems shorter in high gear.

What seemed to be daunting was the TFT at first. I am coming to grips with it's operation but kind of miss the simplicity of the 1200's. The lean-o-meter is a cool touch. I am surprised to notice that I consistently lean to the right several degrees more than to the left. I would not have thought that.

The engine is quieter at idle and damn strong throughout the rev range. I don't think it is any smoother at highway speeds and that is not a problem.

I really like the front end/headlight design. The 1200 always looked kind of odd with it's asymmetric design, but I never saw that while riding, anyway.

The only disappointment is that it came with all the options but without the luggage rack above the taillight. I will probably fork over the money to put one on in time.

Good news when buying the same model bike almost all my accessories will transfer- windshields, Heli-bars, aux lights, Mudsling, seats, tankbag and saddlebags.

The 1250 is a real step up from the 1200 and I am looking forward to putting quite a few more miles on this keeper.

Frank

2023 R1250RS
2003 R1100S Boxer Cup Replika #6/200
1985 K100/1100RS- 328,000 mi. 37 yrs.
2017 R1200RS- 51,000 mi, 5 yrs, (gone)
2016 R1200RS- 28,322 mi. 18 mo. (gone)
2011 R1200RT- 30,000 mi. 2 yr. (gone)
2005 R1200ST- 58,000 mi. 8 yr. 3rd deer killed it.
1999 R1100S- 15,000 mi. 2 yr. (gone)
1996 Ducati 900SS/SP- 89,000 mi. 12 yr. (gone)
500,000+ BMW miles

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#2 | RE: Observations on my new '23 RS datum

Thu May 11, 2023 6:37 pm

I think most people will lean more to the right in the US and left in the UK.

I tend to take a more cautious approach if my head is leaning towards oncoming traffic!

Whilst road positioning should ensure your head is not crossing the centre line, the oncoming vehicles don't always stay on their side of the road or around here, tractors and their implements can be wider than their lane

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#3 | RE: Observations on my new '23 RS datum

Thu May 11, 2023 8:24 pm

Zitat von wessie im Beitrag #2
I think most people will lean more to the right in the US and left in the UK.

Since the same corner (on a public road) has different radii depending depending upon which direction you area travelling. I always thought that (in the US at least) you could see farther into a left hand corner, approaching from the outside, especially in tighter sections, which invite more speed and lean angle. The opposite in England. Me, riding where I always ride, like I always ride I just ASSUMED I leaned farther left. The Lean-o-meter shot that theory down, at least so far.

Frank

2023 R1250RS
2003 R1100S Boxer Cup Replika #6/200
1985 K100/1100RS- 329,000 mi. 37 yrs.
2017 R1200RS- 51,000 mi, 5 yrs, (gone)
2016 R1200RS- 28,322 mi. 18 mo. (gone)
2011 R1200RT- 30,000 mi. 2 yr. (gone)
2005 R1200ST- 58,000 mi. 8 yr. 3rd deer killed it.
1999 R1100S- 15,000 mi. 2 yr. (gone)
1996 Ducati 900SS/SP- 89,000 mi. 12 yr. (gone)
500,000+ BMW miles

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#4 | RE: Observations on my new '23 RS datum

Thu May 11, 2023 8:38 pm

Zitat von Duckbubbles im Beitrag #1
The planets and stars aligned and I traded my '17 RS for a brand new '23 RS. Almost two weeks and 700 miles later I want to throw some thoughts out there.

The first thing I noticed was that the new bike leans over on the sidestand a lot more than the 1200. Still, most of the time I have a slight panic attack when it doesn't stop leaning when I am used to. I don't think the bike sits any higher, so maybe they fitted a shorter stand? I'll try to get some measurements to compare.

The speedometer is dead accurate according to the GPS. I don't have to constantly subtract 3-4 mph to figure out how fast I am going.

The GSAP seems to work smoother than on my 1200. Has the overall gearing changed? It seems shorter in high gear.

What seemed to be daunting was the TFT at first. I am coming to grips with it's operation but kind of miss the simplicity of the 1200's. The lean-o-meter is a cool touch. I am surprised to notice that I consistently lean to the right several degrees more than to the left. I would not have thought that.

The engine is quieter at idle and damn strong throughout the rev range. I don't think it is any smoother at highway speeds and that is not a problem.

I really like the front end/headlight design. The 1200 always looked kind of odd with it's asymmetric design, but I never saw that while riding, anyway.

The only disappointment is that it came with all the options but without the luggage rack above the taillight. I will probably fork over the money to put one on in time.

Good news when buying the same model bike almost all my accessories will transfer- windshields, Heli-bars, aux lights, Mudsling, seats, tankbag and saddlebags.

The 1250 is a real step up from the 1200 and I am looking forward to putting quite a few more miles on this keeper.

Frank

Hope you're right about the sidestand and it gets a new part #
Our 2022 speedometers are a little closer than our 2016s. The 2022s are 1 to 2 mph off compared to GPS.
Agree on the quieter idle and the engine feeling stronger. Better midrange and it seem to rev easier.
I also like the 2019 and newer front end better than the 1200. I always thought the US 1200RS front looked a little odd without the LED strip between the headlights.
For some easy when ordering a 2023 RS in the US the rear rack is not a option. You have to purchase it after the sale.

Congrats on the new bike.

Lee
2022 R1250RS White Sport
Iowa, USA

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#5 | RE: Observations on my new '23 RS datum

Thu May 11, 2023 8:42 pm

Maybe, with less visibility in your right hander you stay upright for longer until you can properly see the exit, brake harder, then bang the bike on it's side. On a left hander with better visibility, perhaps you can be smoother on a better line with less lean, more grip and more corner speed?

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#6 | RE: Observations on my new '23 RS datum

Thu May 11, 2023 8:49 pm

Lee-
Sidestand measurement.
Measuring from the center of the pivot bolt straight down past the deploy tang to the bottom of the foot is 11".

Frank

2023 R1250RS
2003 R1100S Boxer Cup Replika #6/200
1985 K100/1100RS- 329,000 mi. 37 yrs.
2017 R1200RS- 51,000 mi, 5 yrs, (gone)
2016 R1200RS- 28,322 mi. 18 mo. (gone)
2011 R1200RT- 30,000 mi. 2 yr. (gone)
2005 R1200ST- 58,000 mi. 8 yr. 3rd deer killed it.
1999 R1100S- 15,000 mi. 2 yr. (gone)
1996 Ducati 900SS/SP- 89,000 mi. 12 yr. (gone)
500,000+ BMW miles

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#7 | RE: Observations on my new '23 RS datum

Thu May 11, 2023 10:17 pm

Well, no one has said it, but I will: Congratulations on your new bike. I, too, have a new '23 RS (in Triple Black), with 895 miles on it (it's at the dealer for break in service and I just got the call a few minutes ago that it's ready to pick up...hooray!).

You didn't say anything about the windscreen, but it would be interesting to hear your thoughts. As for the lean-angle thing in "Sport" mode, I don't use it. Tried the Sport mode on the TFT a couple of times and found it not as useful as the default mode.

I think the quick shifter is clunky. I came from a '17 RR, so it's likely down to the difference between the I4 engine vs the flat twin with its big pistons. I don't really use the QS except for downshifts, which are pretty good.

Side stand: I had read the RS sits pretty vertical on the stand, raising the possibility of an opposite-side tipover, but like you I found the lean to be more than adequate. But because of what I'd read, when I'm stopped I shut off the engine with the kill switch, give the bike a little leftward nudge while on the kickstand, then shut off the ignition. Seems to provide plenty of lean, so no risk of tipping.

Being used to the RR and using a paddock stand, it took me a little while to master the easy "put it on the center stand" technique. It's a heavier bike than the RR, by about 100 pounds, so at first this took more effort than it does now.

The TFT does become intuitive quickly, though it's a bit of extra work to re-set things like Trip Meter #1, at a gas station, but doesn't take long to become routine.

Engine is quiet, in fact so much so that wind noise is louder at times than the engine. Just the opposite of my RR, and is taking time to adjust to.

Panniers are first-class, heated seats nice to have, riding position in stock configuration is really good. The bike is sporty in the twisties, though it took a few rides to adapt to the different rate of turn-in compared to the RR, and of course the RR has more front-end feel.

Suspension and engine settings via the TFT...fantastic.

Anyway...enjoy it!

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#8 | RE: Observations on my new '23 RS datum

Thu May 11, 2023 11:11 pm

Zitat von BEARR im Beitrag #7
As for the lean-angle thing in "Sport" mode, I don't use it. Tried the Sport mode on the TFT a couple of times and found it not as useful as the default mode.

!

I was surprised to find I prefer the default screen more than the Sport screen.

Lee
2022 R1250RS White Sport
Iowa, USA

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#9 | RE: Observations on my new '23 RS datum

Fri May 12, 2023 12:14 am (Last edited: Fri May 12, 2023 12:16 am)

Zitat von BEARR im Beitrag #7
You didn't say anything about the windscreen, but it would be interesting to hear your thoughts.

I didn't ride this bike with the stock windscreen but a couple of miles. Since it really hasn't changed from the original and that one is crappy I have two aftermarket screens. An Aeroflow shorty for the summer and an MRA with the wing deflector for the rest of the year. In my opinion, either is an improvement over the stocker.

I am gravitating to the default screen most of the time, and check the sport screen periodically.

Frank

2023 R1250RS
2003 R1100S Boxer Cup Replika #6/200
1985 K100/1100RS- 329,000 mi. 37 yrs.
2017 R1200RS- 51,000 mi, 5 yrs, (gone)
2016 R1200RS- 28,322 mi. 18 mo. (gone)
2011 R1200RT- 30,000 mi. 2 yr. (gone)
2005 R1200ST- 58,000 mi. 8 yr. 3rd deer killed it.
1999 R1100S- 15,000 mi. 2 yr. (gone)
1996 Ducati 900SS/SP- 89,000 mi. 12 yr. (gone)
500,000+ BMW miles

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#10 | RE: Observations on my new '23 RS datum

Fri May 12, 2023 12:49 am

Zitat von Lee im Beitrag #8
Zitat von BEARR im Beitrag #7
As for the lean-angle thing in "Sport" mode, I don't use it. Tried the Sport mode on the TFT a couple of times and found it not as useful as the default mode.

!

I was surprised to find I prefer the default screen more than the Sport screen.

Yes...in the Sport screen, you don't have the option of user-set parameters such as TPM, Trip 1, Range, etc., that you can scroll through. And, really, unless you're a hot dog rider, lean angle is a distraction.

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#11 | RE: Observations on my new '23 RS datum

Fri May 12, 2023 10:08 am (Last edited: Fri May 12, 2023 11:00 am)

Zitat von Duckbubbles im Beitrag #1
I am surprised to notice that I consistently lean to the right several degrees more than to the left. I would not have thought that.

That's interesting. In my part of the world, we drive on the left, same as UK. I find that my left hand turns are consistently a few degrees more than my right hand turns. My theory is that LH turns in a LH rule of the road region generally have a tighter radius than RH turns, and so naturally cause a higher lean angle. Opposite would apply to RH rule of the road regions.
On a single direction road or the track, you'd expect more equally balanced lean angles. Any thoughts?

Eventual master of the obvious
2020 BMW R1250RS Sport
Austin yellow

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#12 | RE: Observations on my new '23 RS datum

Fri May 12, 2023 1:40 pm

Zitat von BEARR im Beitrag #10
Zitat von Lee im Beitrag #8
Zitat von BEARR im Beitrag #7
As for the lean-angle thing in "Sport" mode, I don't use it. Tried the Sport mode on the TFT a couple of times and found it not as useful as the default mode.

!

I was surprised to find I prefer the default screen more than the Sport screen.

Yes...in the Sport screen, you don't have the option of user-set parameters such as TPM, Trip 1, Range, etc., that you can scroll through. And, really, unless you're a hot dog rider, lean angle is a distraction.

If I'm leaning at that angle, the last thing I'm looking at is the TFT.

2020 R1250RS

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#13 | RE: Observations on my new '23 RS datum

Fri May 12, 2023 1:58 pm

Zitat von Steady Eddie im Beitrag #11
Zitat von Duckbubbles im Beitrag #1
I am surprised to notice that I consistently lean to the right several degrees more than to the left. I would not have thought that.

That's interesting. In my part of the world, we drive on the left, same as UK. I find that my left hand turns are consistently a few degrees more than my right hand turns. My theory is that LH turns in a LH rule of the road region generally have a tighter radius than RH turns, and so naturally cause a higher lean angle. Opposite would apply to RH rule of the road regions.
On a single direction road or the track, you'd expect more equally balanced lean angles. Any thoughts?

My thought is that those that drive on the left hand lane, should lean more to the right, due to the amount of right hand turning negotiating roundabouts (well here in the UK - not sure how many other left hand lane countries have roundabouts)

2021 R1250RS SE, Hybrid RD350YPVS F2

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#14 | RE: Observations on my new '23 RS datum

Fri May 12, 2023 2:46 pm

Zitat von Paul911 im Beitrag #12
If I'm leaning at that angle, the last thing I'm looking at is the TFT.

The sport screen indicates the maximum lean angle in both directions and stays there until you turn the bike off.

Frank

2023 R1250RS
2003 R1100S Boxer Cup Replika #6/200
1985 K100/1100RS- 329,000 mi. 37 yrs.
2017 R1200RS- 51,000 mi, 5 yrs, (gone)
2016 R1200RS- 28,322 mi. 18 mo. (gone)
2011 R1200RT- 30,000 mi. 2 yr. (gone)
2005 R1200ST- 58,000 mi. 8 yr. 3rd deer killed it.
1999 R1100S- 15,000 mi. 2 yr. (gone)
1996 Ducati 900SS/SP- 89,000 mi. 12 yr. (gone)
500,000+ BMW miles

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#15 | RE: Observations on my new '23 RS datum

Fri May 12, 2023 3:33 pm

Zitat von BEARR im Beitrag #7

The TFT does become intuitive quickly, though it's a bit of extra work to re-set things like Trip Meter #1, at a gas station, but doesn't take long to become routine.

!

At first I didn't like the TFT at gas stops but it did not take long before it was quick and simple to reset.

Sometime after a fuel stop I'll go to the OnBoard Computer screen, then back to the default screen.
After that one tap of the menu button gets me to the OnBoard Computer screen.
Rolling into the gas station I tap the menu button and see this
TFT (2).jpg - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)

One more tap and I see this
TFT (3).jpg - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)

At that point I bump the wonder wheel to reset values.

At end of the day I have mileage reset automatic.

TFT (5).jpg - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)

Lee
2022 R1250RS White Sport
Iowa, USA

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